STYLE: American IPA

Aroma: A prominent to intense hop aroma with a citrusy, floral,
perfume-like, resinous, piney, and/or fruity character derived from
American hops. Many versions are dry hopped and can have an
additional grassy aroma, although this is not required. Some clean
malty sweetness may be found in the background, but should be at a
lower level than in English examples. Fruitiness, either from esters or
hops, may also be detected in some versions, although a neutral
fermentation character is also acceptable. Some alcohol may be noted.

Appearance: Color ranges from medium gold to medium reddish
copper; some versions can have an orange-ish tint. Should be clear,
although unfiltered dry-hopped versions may be a bit hazy. Good head
stand should persist.

Flavor: Hop flavor is medium to high, and should reflect an American
hop character with citrusy, floral, resinous, piney or fruity aspects.
Medium-high to very high hop bitterness, although the malt backbone
will support the strong hop character and provide the best balance.
Malt flavor should be low to medium, and is generally clean and malty
sweet although some caramel or toasty flavors are acceptable at low
levels. No diacetyl. Low fruitiness is acceptable but not required. The
bitterness may linger into the aftertaste but should not be harsh.
Medium-dry to dry finish. Some clean alcohol flavor can be noted in
stronger versions. Oak is inappropriate in this style. Some sulfur may
be present if sulfate water is used, but most examples do not exhibit
this character.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, medium-light to medium-bodied mouthfeel
without hop-derived astringency, although moderate to medium-high
carbonation can combine to render an overall dry sensation in the
presence of malt sweetness. Some smooth alcohol warming can and
should be sensed in stronger (but not all) versions. Body is generally
less than in English counterparts.
Overall Impression: A decidedly hoppy and bitter, moderately strong
American pale ale.
History: An American version of the historical English style, brewed
using American ingredients and attitude.

Ingredients: Pale ale malt (well-modified and suitable for singletemperature
infusion mashing); American hops; American yeast that
can give a clean or slightly fruity profile. Generally all-malt, but
mashed at lower temperatures for high attenuation. Water character
varies from soft to moderately sulfate.